Murphy,&#160; Edmonds to be 'friends,' not spouses

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Eddie Murphy symbolically tied the knot with film producer Tracey Edmonds two weeks ago but that's as far as their wedding plans will go, they announced Wednesday.

Murphy, 46, and Edmonds, 40, traded vows on New Year's Day on a private island off Bora Bora in French Polynesia but the celebration was not a legally binding marriage ceremony.

"After much consideration and discussion, we have jointly decided that we will forego having a legal ceremony as it is not necessary to define our relationship further," said a statement on behalf of both Murphy and Edmonds issued by publicist Arnold Robinson.

"While the recent symbolic union in Bora Bora was representative of our deep love, friendship and respect that we have for one another on a spiritual level, we have decided to remain friends," the statement said.

The statement did not clarify whether the two remained a couple. In an e-mail exchange, Robinson said he could not comment beyond the statement.

Murphy has six children from previous relationships. He and Edmonds, whose credits include "Dreamgirls" and "Beverly Hills Cop," began dating last year. They became engaged in July.